Meta has announced it will abandon independent fact-checking on Facebook and Instagram in the U.S., replacing it with a "community notes" system modeled after X. CEO Mark Zuckerberg said the decision reflects a return to the company’s roots in free expression, citing political bias in third-party moderation. The changes come as Meta seeks to improve relations with President-elect Donald Trump, who has criticized the platform for censorship of right-wing voices. Advocacy groups warn the move may embolden hate speech and disinformation, with some calling it a political strategy to align with the incoming administration.